Erie Jacqueline Vockeroth passed away December 7th, 2020 with her daughter Nadine at her side at Sunrise care home in Victoria, BC. She leaves behind her four children – Paula (Lishman), Glenn (Donna Doerksen), Tom (Carol) and Nadine Vockeroth (Paul Schipper) as well as eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Erie was born in Keeler, Saskatchewan to Violet and Clarence Edgar Holmes on April 21st, 1928, the third of five children. The family moved to Saskatoon shortly thereafter and that was where Erie was wooed by Bob Vockeroth and they eventually married in 1948.
Over the next nine years, the couple moved to Montreal, Toronto, Goose Bay and then back to the Toronto area where they settled, and the children attended school. It was there that Erie obtained her teaching qualifications and later her Bachelor of Library Science. She was a passionate educator who was well-loved by her students and fellow staff. She also played piano beautifully, both classically and had sung and played in a jazz band in Goose Bay in the early 1950’s.
Erie loved to travel, which she did extensively with Bob, notably to Japan, and then to Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. They relocated to the West Coast and spent many years summering in Burnaby and wintering in Mexico. Erie had also learned pottery and became an accomplished painter, an activity that she enjoyed right into her final days.
Erie was a gentle, kind and engaging person. People were naturally drawn to the warmth of her character and openness of spirit. Although she endured severe and crippling rheumatoid arthritis, she was rarely if ever heard to complain.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Sunrise home in Victoria. They provided a wonderful home and went above and beyond in their care for Erie over the past two years.
Erie’s ashes will be placed under a fruit tree at the Lishman home at Purple Hill beside those of her loving husband of 67 years, Bob, who passed away in 2014.
In lieu of flowers, donations to First Book Canada (firstbookcanada.org) would appeal to Erie’s lifelong love of encouraging children to read. Alternatively, a donation to your local food bank would be appreciated. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Richard Mann
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Barbara Gowdy Miss Vockeroth was my Grade 6 teacher at Don Mills Public School
This was 1962. She really was the sweetest, gentlest person. She encouraged me in my musical interests. She was so beautiful and had so much musicality and grace–and that low, melodic speaking voice–that she seemed otherworldly to me. I often think of her. Today, at age 72, I sing in a classical choir, and I often thank her for bringing music into her grade 6 class as if it was as natural and essential as oxygen.
This evening, as I was thinking of her, I wondered if I could find out something about her online. I came across this obituary, and felt like a beloved aunt of mine had died. She has been gone for almost two years, such a lovely soul.
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Cindi Gaucher Dear Paula, Glen, Tom, Nadine and families
My mother passed this sad informtion on to me as I was trying to call Erie on the telephone. The last time I talked to Erie was the fall of 2019 i think. Im so sorry the Covid year was Erie’s last year. I loved Erie so much. She was so loving, caring and accepting to everyone.
Condolences to your entire family.Cindi
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Catherine Collins On behalf of the Collins family, formerly of Don Mills, I am sending our delayed condolences. We remember Erie fondly from our times at Watson Lake. I also treasure the memory of staying with your parents in Mexico when my Dad Alex and I visited. My husband Keith and I also spent time with Erie and Bob in Cuernavaca. Erie was a generous and fascinating friend.
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Dean Christy I did not know your mother, but I know how hard the year was on the families of those who were to pass. My mother too passed in 2020 at 92. She had had a great life and our only regret was the struggle to help her and comfort her at the last great earthly moments. We know she is now with God and our grieving will soften, but our hearts will always be touched by the shared challenges that all families worked through at this difficult time in that difficult year. You are not alone.
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Ruth Howard Dear Paula, Glen, Tom, Nadine and families,
I just saw Erie’s obituary at my mother’s on Jan 1st. Sympathies to you all. I remember her as a lovely, gentle, beautiful and magnificent person, and am happy that I got to visit her once a few years ago in Vancouver. I don’t seem to have any of your e-mails, and my mother’s memory and records aren’t so good any more. But I’d love to stay in touch hear from you any time. Meanwhile, once again, condolences from me and Toni and the Howards and love to you all.
Ruth
As I sometimes do, on a whim just now I typed a name from my past into Google and this popped up. Mrs. Vockeroth was my Grade 5 teacher at Fairmeadow Blvd Public School in Toronto in 1965. About all I recall is that I really liked her. My condolences to her loved ones.